Wyoming’s congressional delegation and Gov. Mark Gordon released individual statements on Thursday following word that U.S. troops had been killed in Afghanistan after an Islamist State terrorist attack at the Kabul airport.
None took aim at the administration of President Joe Biden yet, although Cheney was able to weave-in a subtle reminder of her longstanding position that the U.S. has a role in the area.
“I am praying for our U.S. service-members and their families. Today’s horrific attack is a devastating reminder that the threat from terrorists in Afghanistan remains an ongoing concern for America and the world,” Cheney said.
Cheney, during appearances on numerous national media shows in the last week, has been sharply critical of the Biden administration for his decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan.
On Tuesday, she told FOX News host Neil Cavuto that President Biden has put the U.S. in a “catastrophic situation” and put Americans at risk.
“This decision that President Biden has made to withdraw from Afghanistan and the way it has been implemented has really increased the threat to the United States and has put us at risk in ways that are hard to calculate right now,” Cheney said.
On the home front, Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon, who said last week he had “no interest” in allowing Afghan refugees in the state of Wyoming, said he was praying for the victims of the attacks.
“Jennie and I grieve for the U.S. service members and innocent Afghan civilians killed today, and pray for the safe return of those still waiting to return home,” Gov. Gordon said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones. We must ensure their sacrifice is not in vain,” he said.
Meanwhile, both U.S. Sens. John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis took to Twitter to offer condolences.
“Very troubling news coming out of Afghanistan. Keep our American troops, citizens, and Afghan allies in your prayers as we learn more,” Barrasso said.
“I’m praying for the families of those brave service members who sacrificed their lives today in Kabul. This is absolutely tragic. I’m praying for the safety of those still working to get Americans and our Afghan partners out of the reach of the Taliban,” Lummis tweeted.
The U.S. deaths, which were the first in Afghanistan in 19 months, occurred in a location where Americans were looking for evacuees.
